An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure” has never been truer than it is today.  The recent downturn in the economy has made it necessary for many of us to “tighten our belts” and re-prioritize how we spend our money.  When it comes to your oral health, it is definitely wise to spend money on preventative measures now, so you won’t have to spend even more money correcting major dental problems later.

Many people will ignore a missing tooth or teeth in the back of their mouth unknowingly harming their smile and ultimately their health.  If you are missing a tooth or teeth, leaving open spaces where teeth used to be only “doubles down” on your remaining teeth and shortens their life.  Our Creator designed our teeth to work together, each one designed to perform a specific function.  When a member of the group is lost, more work is required out of the remaining teeth, shortening their life.

In addition, teeth will naturally shift toward the hole left by a missing tooth.  When gaps open up, it causes teeth to shift.  This throws off your bite and causes a destructive bite.  Destructive bites can cause headaches, severe jaw pain, broken teeth, and teeth that wear too fast.  A missing tooth or teeth can also lead to gum disease by creating a trap for food and bacteria.

If you are missing teeth, do not be “penny wise but pound foolish” by electing not to replace them.  Dental implants provide a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and protecting remaining teeth.  To get more information regarding Dental Implants and other tooth replacement options, talk to an Oral Surgeon today.